Friday, May 31, 2013

For recovering alcoholics, summer can prove a difficult
season to keep sobriety in check. Aside from pool parties, BBQs and other
social summer gatherings, the season simply screams relaxation, fun, and
freedom; making the urge to drink all the more appealing. By making a point to
prepare yourself for a sober summer stretch, you stand better equipped to ward
off cravings, triggers and temptation along the way.

Let’s Get Physical

Immerse yourself in physical activity to keep your mind
focused. Options may include anything from jogging and weight lifting to
extreme sports such as rock climbing or skateboarding. Each of these activities
require dedicated concentration and can not be performed while under the
influence. The more active you make yourself, the more motivated you will be to
retain your sobriety. Set goals - Crush goals - Repeat.

Hobbies

Select a hobby that holds your interest and requires your
attention. Something as simple as knitting holds a number of benefits, keeping
your fingers and thoughts in constant motion. Other options to consider include
painting, writing, learning an instrument or woodworking. When you are able to
create something, you thoughts will pull harder towards the betterment of the
project at hand rather than towards the liquor store.

Wanna Play A Game?

Invite some close friends over for a stay-at-home game
night! Select a date and time that works for everyone and pick out some food
and board games for entertainment! Heck, you may even choose to indulge with
some karaoke! Supply your own drink selection for the event while assigning
specific entrée and snack items to attendees. Be sure to specify that you will
not permit alcohol use during the party to avoid the presence of any unwanted
beverages. Tally the scores and provide prizes to the winners!

Take A Trip

If you’re like most people, a vast majority of your state
remains a mystery. Set out a map of the area, blindfold yourself and point out
a spot to visit! Use the internet to locate area attractions and let the road
take you. You never know who or what you’ll run into!

Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, Above it All treatment
center is the place to call. With a team of seasoned addiction specialists
available to answers your questions and concerns, you can count on Above It All
to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time.

Chances are, if you’re one of the many people who drink
alcohol, that you’ve experienced an episode (or two) of overindulgence. Most
drinkers can relate to hangover symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, etc. But
consumption to excess can also lead to alcohol poisoning; a condition with a
risk of death due to: seizure, choking on your own vomit, or breathing
difficulties. Even in cases where death is avoided, brain damage is still a
potential effect.

What Happens?

Alcohol is classified as a depressant, which when ingested,
works to depress our nerves – the very same nerves that control breathing. In
order to combat the effects of alcohol, our bodies must release a number of
chemicals. However, despite the positive intentions, these chemicals can cause
fatigue and nausea. With a few too many cocktails under our belts, we often
experience slurred speech, blurred vision and coordination difficulties.
Because alcohol also inhibits the gag reflex, those who become unconscious
after a night of excess may lose the ability to control their vomit, posing a
heightened risk of asphyxiation. To boot, even when a person becomes
unconscious, blood alcohol levels will continue to rise.

What are the Signs?

Though the symptoms associated with intoxication and
poisoning are quite similar – nausea, headache, mental confusion, blurred
vision – when a person overdoses, they fall into a deep unconscious state, from
which they are unable to be awakened. Irregular or slowed breathing may become
apparent, body temperature may drop and vomiting will often increase. Once
blood sugar levels have dropped low enough, skin tones may appear pale or a
slight shade of blue. Seizures may sometimes follow.

Need Help?

Struggling with alcohol
abuse? Pick up the phone and call Above it All treatment center! With a
team of seasoned drug and alcohol specialists available to address your
questions and concerns, you can count on Above it All for the information,
guidance and support you’ve been searching for. Call today!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Alcoholism is an equal opportunity disease. It does not
cater to differences in sex, age, religion, social status or race. Safety is
not a luxury of any establishment or creed. We are all affected, whether
personally or via friends, family members, co-workers, or the community at
large. In this entry, we will discuss some of the warning signs associated with
this disease in an effort to better address the issue head-on.

Drinking Alone

One of the most common warning signs of alcohol abuse is drinking alone. Individuals who drink by
themselves are no longer drinking for social reasons; rather, they are
attempting to cope with life in their own way. Alcoholics often choose to drink
solo to avoid friends and family members finding out exactly how often they
drink.

What We Do Is Secret

Drinking in secret is yet another alcoholism warning sign.
Those suffering from alcohol addiction will often use discarded bottles and
drinking cups as alcohol containers in an effort to conceal the fact that they
are drinking throughout the day.

The Shakes

Trembling or “the shakes” is another alcoholism warming
sign. When an alcoholic awakes in the morning, their system is still in shock
from a lack of alcohol – causing their bodies to tremble.

Excuses, Excuses

Alcoholics will always find a reason to drink. Instead of
recognizing that they suffer from alcoholism, they will often come up with ways
to celebrate or console themselves alongside an alcoholic beverage. Making
excuses for excessive and regular drinking is a very common sign of alcoholism.

1-2-3-GO!

Many alcoholics find difficulty stopping once drinking has
commenced. Instead of calling it a day following 1 or 2 social beers, an
alcoholic will empty the entire case throughout an evening. Alcoholics also
experience difficulty reducing their intake amount to smaller quantities.

Hygiene

Physical appearance can often take a back seat. Alcoholics
may appear unshaven, unkempt, and dirty at their place of employment or social
gatherings. Where once the individual took pride in their outward appearance,
now little-to-no effort is made.